Warmer temperatures, muddy roads close two western Nebraska lakes

An fisherman uses an auger to make a hole in the ice. (Photo courtesy of Nebraska Game and Parks Commission)

Two lakes in the Sand Hills have been closed as warmer temperatures have made driving to them nearly impossible.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has closed Blue Lake in Garden County and Hudson Lake in Cherry County.

Game and Parks reports warmer temperatures have thawed snow and ice in western Nebraska making each of the two-track pasture trails leading to the two lakes a muddy mess.

The closure likely marks the end of the season at Hudson Lake, according to Game and Parks. The 160-acre lake is a private lake about 30 miles southeast of Valentine near Big Alkali Lake Wildlife Management Area and is open to the public only for ice fishing.

Blue Lake is near Crescent Lake Wildlife Management Area 22 miles north of Oshkosh. The road to Blue Lake will reopen when conditions improve.

Agreements with landowners allow access to both lakes. The closures help prevent damage to the roads on private property.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission warns ice fishermen to use caution as the warming temperatures is slowing melting the ice.